Assembling laser-cut coach sides- question?

[OldMetaller]

Hello, I'm just about to assemble a laser-cut wooden coach kit, and I've just realised I don't know what is the best method of fixing the overlays on to the coach sides and ends. I know I could just superglue them on, but after spending ages getting a nice smooth finish on the plywood I don't want to smear glue all over it.

Has anybody ever tried a spray-on adhesive, like maybe Spraymount?

I especially don't want to make a mess of it as it's a hoarded Mathieson luggage van kit, and they went out of production years ago, I believe.

Thanks in anticipation!

[DLRdan]

I would use PVA as any over spill can be wiped away with a finger or cocktail stick in the harder to reach places. It also has the advantage of setting like concrete in about an hour.

[Enginehouse]

I have done a few of the IP coaches with the pretty fine laser cut fret overlays and soon decided that the easiest way would be waterproof PVA such as Evostick weatherproof wood glue. This wipes off cleanly when wet with a moist rag and although formulated for using on bare wood takes quite happily over both enamel and varnish. However, experimenting further with the next pair of coaches I used No Nails which is precisely the same constituents but is less diluted and so easier to apply evenly and cleanly. The beauty of PVA is that should you miss a bit or find an odd section not completely sealed tightly after drying, it can be re glued using a small paint brush between the two surfaces without any damage to surrounding body paintwork by wiping off cleanly any surplus with a wet cloth.

As a test piece before risking my carriages I actually took a section of ply, sprayed it with gloss varnish and when completely dry used the same glue 'No Nails' to affix a couple of lolly sticks across it. Then left it out in the rain for a day. Once completely dry it was quite difficult to lever off the lolly sticks.

[OldMetaller]

Thanks very much Dan and Roy for very quick answers- pva it is, then!

Then...I'm going to attempt a varnished teak finish, using the technique of 'scumbling'. I've tried just staining the plywood with wood stain and then varnishing it, but I didn't like the overscale wood grain. If it's anything better than a horrible mess, I'll post a picture.

Thanks again gents!

[Woodfields Light Railway]

Could you post some pictures?

[OldMetaller]

If it's not a disaster I will post some pictures. The trial run was a bit disappointing, though..!